Marcel Ciolacu reappointed as Romania's PM

Bucharest

Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of Romania's Social Democratic Party (PSD), has been reappointed as the country's Prime Minister by President Klaus Iohannis on Monday, following the Dec 1 elections. Ciolacu will continue to lead Romania after the new Parliament was formed.

Although Ciolacu resigned as PSD leader on November 25 after failing to secure a spot in the Presidential election runoff, he continued as Prime Minister until the new parliamentary majority was established. He finished third in the Presidential elections, securing 19.15% of the votes.

Ciolacu, who served as Romania's Prime Minister from June 2023, has played a key role in leading PSD through difficult political times. In 2024, he was re-elected as the party's leader with strong support, solidifying his position within Romanian politics.

Romania's Constitution limits Presidents to two terms, which makes outgoing President Klaus Iohannis ineligible for re-election. This opens the door for political change as Ciolacu now has the opportunity to lead the country during a time of transition.

Ciolacu’s political career includes bringing PSD back to the government in 2021 after a political crisis, forming a coalition with the National Liberal Party (PNL). Despite setbacks, he remains a central figure in Romania's political landscape.